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27 Aug, 2023 by Neal and ann
Sharon prepared the will and four related documents for each of us, handling some unusual requests and unanticipated complications very well. At all times she was helpful, efficient, accommodating, and responsive to our needs. We recommend her highly.
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16 Dec, 2022 by Ahamed musthafa
17 Mar, 2022 by Danny j. adams
30 Jan, 2024 by Sam jones
We are contemplating a move back to Washington state where we lived for many years. Without proper estate planning we would potentially be subject to the Washington estate tax. n our initial contacts with the firm, we clearly identified that we were residents in another state. We were instructed to provide our detailed financial picture as well as our current estate planning documents which we provided promptly and told that our information would be forwarded to the attorneys for evaluation. The following is the email response.
“Thank you for filling out and returning your Questionnaire.
I will forward your information to our attorneys for review. Once they have completed their review, I will be back in touch with you regarding a quote for services and the next steps for scheduling.”
Well over a month went by with no word back from STIB. I finally contacted them by email requesting a status update. Within minutes, I received the following reply.
“Thank you very much for contacting our firm. Unfortunately, we are not able to take on your case. Our firm does not advise out-of-state residents on tax issues. Our focus is estate planning and long term care planning.”
The STIB website clearly tax issues as part of estate planning. I also found no restrictions on attorneys in Washington state providing consultation to out-of-state residents considering residency in Washington.
Needless to say, I was astounded by what I consider to extremely poor communication and timely follow-up. If it is indeed not their policy to advise out-of-state residents on tax issues, I would have expected to have been informed of that policy up front thus saving us the time of compiling and sending detailed and confidential financial and estate planning information. In my opinion, this represents incompetent and totally unprofessional behavior.
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22 Dec, 2023 by Dave
Angela gave us clear, useful and compassionate legal advice on our very complicated situation. She was flexible with her time when we needed to reschedule. She went above & beyond by exploring issues we hadn't thought of and had not raised in our original request. This is our first time seeking legal advice on something like this - our experience couldn't have been better. Thank you Angela
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18 Jul, 2023 by Michael o'connell
16 Dec, 2022 by Ahamed musthafa
17 Mar, 2022 by Danny j. adams
09 Oct, 2021 by Christopher hendrix
I retained Peter last year to create a will and trust. He was great at answering all my questions. He was easy to work with from the initial consult to signing the final documents. His fees were very fair, and I would happily retain him again if I needed legal services.
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28 Apr, 2024 by Nick
I'm so glad I found her. She is incredibly knowledgeable. More importantly, she was understanding, empathetic, and helpful as I struggled with the difficult decisions that are an inevitable part of living wills.
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16 Dec, 2022 by Ahamed musthafa
17 Mar, 2022 by Danny j. adams
11 Oct, 2024 by Tura cevik
15 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
I've been a client of Nancy's for many years, and she has always been forthright and easy to work with, blending high ethics and business acumen. Highly recommended!
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22 Aug, 2024 by Larry
I recently had the privilege of working with Josh Wheeler to represent me during my divorce. I cannot speak highly enough about the exceptional service I received.
Josh has a vast knowledge of family law with many years of experience that was evident from our initial consultation.
During our first contact, unlike other attorneys I interviewed, he took time to explain the legal process, how the law is structured, and the outcome I could expect.
Through the entire process Josh demonstrated unwavering dedication, professionalism, and expertise. He took time to listen to my story, asked pertinent questions, and provided clear explanations of the legal processes involved.
I highly recommend the services of Wheeler Family Law.
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22 Aug, 2024 by Mike
Joshua C. Wheeler from Wheeler Family Law (WFL) helped me with a Child Support Order case in the Spring and Summer of 2024. He did an amazing job at representing me in all aspects of the case. Joshua was very proactive in communicating all legal matters and was timely in getting the legal matters addressed with my ex's lawyer as well as with the court. He was always readily available when I had questions or concerns regarding the case and could jump on a call when needed. I highly recommend Joshua based on my experience with this case and comparing to other lawyers I've worked with in the past. He is highly professional and gets the job done. I was also very pleased with the result of the case and couldn't have asked for a better outcome!
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22 Apr, 2024 by Nadia
As someone who recently navigated the waters of divorce, I can confidently say that Josh was nothing short of a guiding light throughout the entire process. From the moment I first consulted with him until the final resolution, Josh's expertise was evident every step of the way.
One of the most commendable aspects of Josh's approach was his dedication to ensuring that I fully understood each phase of the divorce process. Divorce can be overwhelming, filled with legal jargon and procedures, but Josh took the time to break down every aspect in a way that was clear and accessible. He patiently answered all of my questions and addressed any concerns I had, providing reassurance and clarity when I needed it most.
What truly sets Josh apart, however, is his dedication to making the divorce process as smooth and painless as possible. Thanks to his expertise and guidance, what could have been a daunting and emotionally taxing experience was instead manageable and, dare I say, somewhat bearable.
In conclusion, I cannot recommend Josh highly enough for anyone in need of a divorce attorney. His compassion, expertise, and commitment to his clients make him an invaluable ally during what is undoubtedly a challenging time.
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5.0
3 Reviews
4.5
8 Reviews
01 Aug, 2024 by David fingerhut
Sam is an excellent real estate lawyer and someone you definitely want in your corner when negotiating complex real estate transactions or disputing a contract.
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13 Mar, 2024 by Nikki newby
01 Nov, 2023 by Natalie cielle
I had a wonderful experience with Ms. Woolery. She is extremely well-versed in law, bright, helpful, responsive, thoughtful, and kind. In other words, exactly what you need in a family law attorney!
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11 Dec, 2019 by Michael
I utilized Karl on two occasions. The first was to update my elderly Mother's will and the second was to update my will and create a Power of Attorney for both me and my Wife.
On both occasions (10 years apart) he provided great expertise along with appropriate questions to ensure he knew what we wanted to accomplish and we knew the ramifications of the requests we made.
He also willingly answered follow up questions over the phone. I would hire him again without hesitation and refer him to anyone needing a good Estate Attorney.
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12 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
I contacted Karl after seeing his Avvo profile as I had some trust- related questions. He spent 15 minutes patiently answering my questions and explaining things to me. At the end of the call, I asked him if he needed to charge me for giving me his legal advice. He said no need, too much trouble he said! What a nice guy! He said if I ever needed to hire an attorney, give him a call. You bet Karl. Thanks a lot. Much appreciated!
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17 Nov, 2013 by Daniel
My father passed away and I was chosen as the estate rep. My parents had used Karl before so I called him. It was a pretty difficult time for me and was very unsure of what to do. After my meeting with Karl I was very relieved to have found him. Flash forward one year and I'm done with the estate and Karl has been there with me the whole time. He is extremely knowledgeable and well versed. Karl is also very down to earth and personable. He strikes me as a genuinely caring person at work and I'll have to assume off work too. I would go out of my way to recommend Karl to anyone willing to listen.
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18 Nov, 2019 by Michele
Marisa is very knowledgeable and well informed woman. She took over a very traditional firm and has respected the values and integrity of the former founders. She runs the firm with both the old-school values and the new millennium sophistication. She helped me with a very complicated estate plan. She listened, gave sound advice and treated me in a very caring and real manor. In the end we came up with a strong plan that will ensure protection and financial security for my child. The peace of mind and professional outcome was incredible. I have referred many people to her since in hopes that they follow through and contact her.
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25 Jun, 2019 by Jenna
Attorney Marisa Broggel recently helped me with some estate planning work I needed to do. She is compassionate and very knowledgeable. She is good at breaking down the legal terms into language I could understand. She did a great job for me and my family. I would highly recommend McCune, Godfrey, Emerick & Broggel.
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23 Dec, 2014 by Chaz
Marisa's qualifications, education, and experience are excellent. She is very customer oriented and takes her time getting to know her clients and often they become long term customers. She's an exceptional listener, knows how to take the legal terminology and communicate it into terms I can understand, rates are reasonable and she cares. I have no hesitation recommending her as your attorney.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Hanna zhang
非常感谢Leo给予我非常耐心细致负责任的帮助，让在两个月前陷入无边黑暗之中的我仍然感受到一点光明的温暖。他的专业和耐心解说让我感动！再次感谢Leo为华人朋友的仁爱帮助，希望善善泽团队事业蒸蒸日上能帮助到更多有需要的华人同胞。
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06 Nov, 2024 by Wenqian yu
Attorney Leo Wang is professional, intentive and transparent at every step of my case, which was concluded smoothly and promptly.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Jenny du
Attorney Wang is full of energy and has a sharp mind. He has a remarkable ability to uncover key evidence from details that most non-professionals would overlook, demonstrating deep insight into the case. His dedication is evident; he not only gives thoughtful consideration to the case during work hours but often brings up new ideas even on weekends. His colleague, Attorney Liu, is meticulous in gathering evidence and organizes everything with great clarity. Communication with her is smooth, and she skillfully distills our discussions into precise and well-structured notes.
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30 Dec, 2024 by Kimberley kingery
30 Dec, 2024 by Ryan turner
Lorena is such a blessing. Thank you for all your help!
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16 Dec, 2024 by Christina hart
Even though my case isn't one they can help with they pointed me into the right direction. Sara was so sweet to help me out.
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13 Dec, 2024 by Hanna zhang
非常感谢Leo给予我非常耐心细致负责任的帮助，让在两个月前陷入无边黑暗之中的我仍然感受到一点光明的温暖。他的专业和耐心解说让我感动！再次感谢Leo为华人朋友的仁爱帮助，希望善善泽团队事业蒸蒸日上能帮助到更多有需要的华人同胞。
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06 Nov, 2024 by Wenqian yu
Attorney Leo Wang is professional, intentive and transparent at every step of my case, which was concluded smoothly and promptly.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Jenny du
Attorney Wang is full of energy and has a sharp mind. He has a remarkable ability to uncover key evidence from details that most non-professionals would overlook, demonstrating deep insight into the case. His dedication is evident; he not only gives thoughtful consideration to the case during work hours but often brings up new ideas even on weekends. His colleague, Attorney Liu, is meticulous in gathering evidence and organizes everything with great clarity. Communication with her is smooth, and she skillfully distills our discussions into precise and well-structured notes.
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03 Dec, 2024 by Jony alem
Amsale Aberra law PLLC is one of the best law firm in Seattle .
In 2019 I had a very tough immigration case and I hired another law firm and it didn’t go well, I spend more than 3k and finally my case got denied due to the lawyer’s irresponsible action. A few months later a friends of mine suggested to contact Amsale’s law firm. She was very kind, positive , thoughtful and a good listener. She listened the entire issue with the previous law firm, and what surprised me was her focus to resolve the problem instead of nailing down.
After a brief discussion and consultation, I hired her to represent me the same case which I got denied previously.
It took her shorter time comparing with the previous lawyer and successfully won my case. Not only that, through the entire process of my case with Amsale I was getting an update based on the information timeframe of each steps from immigration office.
The best part of her consultation, if she thinks your case doesn’t worse to continue, she doesn’t wanna waste your money! This is how she does business !
I will always refer to Amsale law firm for friend and family because she is trustworthy!
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17 Nov, 2024 by Stephanie
I’ve referred a number of people to the Marshall Defense Firm over the years and, without exception, their feedback concerning the firm’s service has been exceptional. The terms I hear consistently are expert, professional, intelligent, sensitive and caring. Honestly, it’s a combination of traits which I see rarely see in law firms I deal with. What a huge compliment to the firm’s legal and life philosophy.
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05 Nov, 2024 by Tonya edwards
SMDH .. no wonder why attorneys are broke😂
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10 Nov, 2021 by John kettwig
25 Oct, 2021 by Dean
I was referred to Patrick Vail by another law firm once it became clear I needed a top-notch litigator to handle my highly complex estate case. Mr. Vail’s expertise yielded an exceptional result for my case, exceeding my expectations in every way throughout the litigation process. While Patrick’s communication skills (both written and verbal) were his most impressive skill, his analytical approach, judgement and perseverance were outstanding. I would recommend him to anyone who wants to be represented by the best.
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30 Jan, 2024 by Sam jones
We are contemplating a move back to Washington state where we lived for many years. Without proper estate planning we would potentially be subject to the Washington estate tax. n our initial contacts with the firm, we clearly identified that we were residents in another state. We were instructed to provide our detailed financial picture as well as our current estate planning documents which we provided promptly and told that our information would be forwarded to the attorneys for evaluation. The following is the email response.
“Thank you for filling out and returning your Questionnaire.
I will forward your information to our attorneys for review. Once they have completed their review, I will be back in touch with you regarding a quote for services and the next steps for scheduling.”
Well over a month went by with no word back from STIB. I finally contacted them by email requesting a status update. Within minutes, I received the following reply.
“Thank you very much for contacting our firm. Unfortunately, we are not able to take on your case. Our firm does not advise out-of-state residents on tax issues. Our focus is estate planning and long term care planning.”
The STIB website clearly tax issues as part of estate planning. I also found no restrictions on attorneys in Washington state providing consultation to out-of-state residents considering residency in Washington.
Needless to say, I was astounded by what I consider to extremely poor communication and timely follow-up. If it is indeed not their policy to advise out-of-state residents on tax issues, I would have expected to have been informed of that policy up front thus saving us the time of compiling and sending detailed and confidential financial and estate planning information. In my opinion, this represents incompetent and totally unprofessional behavior.
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18 Jul, 2023 by Michael o'connell
14 Aug, 2022 by Susan zurek
Very experienced attorneys who truly care about their clients
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30 Jan, 2024 by Sam jones
We are contemplating a move back to Washington state where we lived for many years. Without proper estate planning we would potentially be subject to the Washington estate tax. n our initial contacts with the firm, we clearly identified that we were residents in another state. We were instructed to provide our detailed financial picture as well as our current estate planning documents which we provided promptly and told that our information would be forwarded to the attorneys for evaluation. The following is the email response.
“Thank you for filling out and returning your Questionnaire.
I will forward your information to our attorneys for review. Once they have completed their review, I will be back in touch with you regarding a quote for services and the next steps for scheduling.”
Well over a month went by with no word back from STIB. I finally contacted them by email requesting a status update. Within minutes, I received the following reply.
“Thank you very much for contacting our firm. Unfortunately, we are not able to take on your case. Our firm does not advise out-of-state residents on tax issues. Our focus is estate planning and long term care planning.”
The STIB website clearly tax issues as part of estate planning. I also found no restrictions on attorneys in Washington state providing consultation to out-of-state residents considering residency in Washington.
Needless to say, I was astounded by what I consider to extremely poor communication and timely follow-up. If it is indeed not their policy to advise out-of-state residents on tax issues, I would have expected to have been informed of that policy up front thus saving us the time of compiling and sending detailed and confidential financial and estate planning information. In my opinion, this represents incompetent and totally unprofessional behavior.
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18 Jul, 2023 by Michael o'connell
14 Aug, 2022 by Susan zurek
Very experienced attorneys who truly care about their clients
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24 Dec, 2024 by Christopher young
Almost a year ago I found my business in a position that threatened our financial viability due to the actions of a third party. I began the search for a new business lawyer and interviewed half a dozen firms without feeling as though they would be the right fit. Two minutes into my conversation with David Betz, I knew he was the perfect lawyer to represent our interests. Since then, Mr. Betz has become an integral part of our business operations. Not only was he successful in negotiating the original matter we brought him on for, but he has remained a close legal advisor and wealth of knowledge and advice. Mr. Betz communicates thoroughly, acts promptly, and approaches all matters with professionalism and expertise.
Christopher Young
Owner
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18 Nov, 2024 by David carr
Was referred to this firm by multiple people/ lawyers. I shouldn't have even wasted my time. Got more of a story about how they sympathize for my situation but basically because I'm a federal employee I'm not entitled to the same rights of protection as the general public, according to them. This is even with a judgment from the county court in my favor in regards to the matter. They just simply couldn't help with the employment matter. I suggest looking elsewhere for legal help.
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12 Nov, 2024 by Jordan brannon
Appreciated a timely and thorough response from this law firm on a commercial insurance matter for my company. Mr. Graff was a great resource and helped us navigate a complex legal issue adeptly. Thanks!
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05 Jan, 2025 by Anonymous
Bis helped us amend our 20 year old trust along with updating our wills, financial power of attorneys, healthcare directives along with creating a few other estate planning documents he recommended to us. Bis was exceptional to work with. We had a terrible experience with a previous lawyer and Bis more than made up for it. He listened to what we needed, answered endless questions with patience and understanding. He really knows his craft and was very easy to work with. We would highly recommend anyone to work with Bis. He is a top notch lawyer who is very professional and cares about his clients and the services he provides.
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29 Dec, 2024 by Anonymous
Bis is one of a kind. He is thorough, organize, very professional, very attentive, listens very well even though I had a hard time explaining my complicated wants and needs. He takes the time to listen with when you're talking, and takes his time to understand your needs. I struggled with my pastAtty who put together a Trust for me and husband in the past. I didn't connect with that Atty same way I connected with Bis. With Bis, I was not hesitant to ask questions, because he is just a wonderful Atty to work with.
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28 Dec, 2024 by Anonymous
What a pleasure it was to work with Bis and his colleagues. He is incredibly patient, details and timely. My family and I could not have been successful if it wasn't for him and his generosity. Thanks Bis and Kanti!
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01 Aug, 2024 by David fingerhut
Sam is an excellent real estate lawyer and someone you definitely want in your corner when negotiating complex real estate transactions or disputing a contract.
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13 Mar, 2024 by Nikki newby
01 Nov, 2023 by Natalie cielle
I had a wonderful experience with Ms. Woolery. She is extremely well-versed in law, bright, helpful, responsive, thoughtful, and kind. In other words, exactly what you need in a family law attorney!
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03 Aug, 2019 by Steven
Erin made the estate planning process smooth and pain-free for me. I had previously contacted two other Seattle attorneys who turned me down as a client simply because an S-corp is part of the mix for me—you would think that most estate planning lawyers would have some experience dealing with S-corps, but apparently not.
Erin went out of her way to double-check that she was handling my S-corp correctly. She's low-key, personable, no-drama, organized, efficient and professional, and prices her services fairly, no pun intended.
I'm confident referring anyone to Erin who needs the basic docs: Financial POA, Health Care POA, Advance Directives, Disposition of Remains, and of course, a Will. She supplies both official hard copies and PDF files of everything and also gives you tips about what else needs to be taken care of and understood, from setting up mutual fund beneficiaries to probate and estate taxes. I enjoyed discussing legal "what ifs" with her.
Erin, you really made the whole thing easier than I expected! Of course, it does help—whomever you choose to draw up your documents—if you do some advance reading about estate planning and familiarize yourself with the vocabulary and basic concepts. Nolo Press, for example, publishes some good primers on the subject.
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30 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous
Working with Erin is delightful, even with sensitive issues. Happy to recommend her.
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05 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Pleasant discussion with Ms. Fairley on transferring of legal personal documents from another law firm to her.
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04 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Mr. Spencer responded in a very timely manner. He is professional and kind and would advocate well for any client.
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31 Oct, 2017 by Seth rosenberg
I have known James Spencer for as long as I have practiced law. He is the attorney I always recommend whenever someone asks me for an attorney who handles wills, trusts and estates. In fact, I have used him myself. He is smart, very honest, and a wealth of knowledge. On top of that, he is a skilled litigator - something that is rare for attorneys in his field.
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01 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
My wife and I were lucky enough to be referred to James Spencer for our legal needs (will, power of attorney, health directive, etc.). He was very professional, thorough, and knowledgeable about LGBT issues. He is also affordable, and INCREDIBLY patient with us, given that we would often delay in getting him information. Yet he always responded immediately. We felt very taken care of, and have complete trust in him. I fully recommend him!
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24 Aug, 2017 by Mark
Recently my aunt passed away leaving behind an estate that had property in two different states (WA and PA). At the time we felt overwhelmed not knowing where to start. Anna helped my family walk through the different tax considerations for each state, consulting with attorneys in PA to make sure all details were considered and covered. Every step of the way she made us feel like our concerns were being heard and was always available to answer our questions. My family not only appreciated Anna's knowledge and expertise, but also the patience and time she devoted to making sure we knew what was happening and that we understood all of our options. We feel so fortunate to have had Anna advising us during a difficult time for our family.
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08 Dec, 2016 by Jane
Anna helped my husband and I draft a will for our family. It was one of those tasks that we dreaded doing but Anna made the whole process easy to understand and painless to follow through on.
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02 Jul, 2015 by Dennis
OK, this was a great experience. My wife just had twins! That made me think I should have some plans in place. A colleague at work referred me to Anna Cashman for financial, estate, and 'future' planning. She walked the 'four' of us through the process, which Anna made very simple, straightforward, and easy. It showed us how knowledgeable she was. Boy do I feel great having a plan for my new family. Thank you Anna, keep up the GREAT work!
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15 Jul, 2014 by Roxanne
Johanna is my go-to estate planning attorney in Washington State. My own estate planning practice is based in Bay Area, but I often have clients or colleagues ask me for referrals to a trustworthy and personable attorney in Seattle. I always refer them to Johanna, because of her hardworking reputation and professionalism. I have also witnessed first-hand her patience and attention to detail in walking her clients through the estate planning process. Simply put, in an area of law that can be difficult to navigate, Johanna is someone I trust. My staff and I happily refer clients and colleagues to her.
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07 Jul, 2014 by Duyen
Johanna Coolbaugh was proactive, thorough, and knowledgeable. She took the time to understand our personal situation and needs, thus making sure that our estate plan was comprehensive and appropriate for our family. Estate planning was something my husband and I had discussed for a long time, but were overwhelmed with the options and legal speak. Johanna put us at ease and made sure our plan was comprehensive--she ask questions that we hadn't even thought of. Additionally, Johanna was super responsive, whether it was via email or phone. No question was a dumb question, she answered all of our questions quickly and in language that we understood. We would definitely recommend Johanna to friends an family.
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07 Jul, 2014 by Harte
As a CPA and estate planning peer, I've had the pleasure of working with Johanna's boss, Jim Treadwell, for several decades on mutual estate planning clients, several of which are multi-generational. In the last few years, Johanna has taken on the lion's share of the work at their end on these clients and I find she is completely on-board with all the family dynamics, issues and able to devote the right about of time to managing all the details which can make or break relationships like these. I look forward to having my CPA firm work with Johanna on mutual clients in the future.
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08 Oct, 2018 by Jeanne
I have worked with a number of attorneys in my lifetime and it has very often been a draining experience. Sarah was a breath of fresh air! Warm, compassionate, knowledgeable, and patient, she guided my husband and me through a second marriage estate plan. It was an entirely different process than anything I'd ever experienced. I wish I met Sarah sooner! I would highly recommend her for any of your estate planning needs. She's a keeper.
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03 May, 2018 by Aamer
I hired Sarah to work on a probate and a will. At the time we hired Sarah, our family was going through an extremely difficult time due to the unusual, unique nature of our situation.
Sarah was helpful, responsive, and readily available when we needed. her. I appreciated the fact that she took a practical approach, giving fair advice on what steps we should take while also looking out for opportunities to avoid unnecessary waste of time and money.
Most of all, I was appreciative of her empathetic approach; it made the whole process easier for me and my family. A few months after I hired her, I ran into an unexpected, separate legal matter and we again turned to her for advice during this difficult time. Though it was not an area she works in, she came to my help as a friend and guided me in the right direction. Her advice quite literally may have changed the course of my life.
Thank you, Sarah, for your help during a difficult time and for being there for our family when we needed you!
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19 Nov, 2015 by Roxane
Sarah is an attorney that you can really trust to make the best recommendations for you and your family. She is intelligent, quick thinking, honest and has a lot of integrity in her work. What really makes me feel safe and confident with her work is that she thinks of things that I don't and that is the kind of lawyer I want working for me. I trust Sarah completely. When I sit down with Sarah, I can tell that she really cares about her work and wants to help me and my husband make the best decisions for our future.
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08 Oct, 2021 by Jason
Kjersti was a pleasure to work with in regards to our estate/family planning documents! She was quick and responsive throughout the process, and took the time to thoroughly explain things to us. I would happily work with Kjersti again on any legal needs.
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14 Feb, 2020 by Kristen
Kjersti was very professional and responsive. She got back to me extremely quickly and walked me through the process of creating a living will and testament. She was willing to meet with me whenever it was convenient and even came to my work so I didn't have to travel. She was very good at explaining my different options and being unbiased so that I could make the best decision for myself. This was my first time writing a will so having someone who was patient and explained terminology really helped!
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13 Jan, 2020 by Jennifer
My husband and I were in need of drafting a will and reached out to Kjersti for help. She was very professional, timely, and explained every part of the process in a way we could understand. It was clear that helping others is her passion and was very thorough in doing so. I highly recommend her services to anyone in need of these services!
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08 Dec, 2012 by Boyce
My wife and I have been working with Kristina for over 14 years, beginning with estate work for one of our parents and continuing with our own legal matters since then. In a word, she is phenomenal. She always offers us outstanding legal advice and counsel, she knows current laws and regulations, and her work has been flawless. Whether small issues or large, she takes the time to fully understand the situation and carefully reviews various options before advising us. We have complete trust in her, appreciate her attention to detail and know that she will give us the best advice, even if it may not be what we want to hear. We have recommended Kristina to friends who have been equally impressed. It is always a pleasure working with Kristina and her very capable paralegal, Janet. Although they have many clients, we always feel we are treated as special, and that we are getting the best possible legal assistance.
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12 Mar, 2009 by Joann
I have used Kristina Udall for estate planning and have recommended her to others. My mother used her services after my father passed away for probate. I'm an attorney and I consider her to be superb in her field.
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12 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
From the fist meeting to the final signing of the papers, Ms. Udall was very professional, knowledgable and timely.
We believe her hourly charges were just and valued.
We will use Ms. Udall again.
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07 Nov, 2011 by Anonymous
We used John Keckemet to create our wills and estate planning documents after we used his partner, Albert Lirhus, to finalize our adoption. We were pleased with the work that John did. He was very patient, willing to explain the differences between different facets of estate planning. The documentation he created was very thorough. I would recommend him, especially for those who need a little hand holding (not literally) through this difficult and often tedious process.
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15 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
John represented our family in the area of Estate Planning. He created a Revocable Trust Agreement along with the other necessary documents ie. Wills, Reciprocal Durable Power of Attorney, Healthcare Directives, etc.
John is patience and has a way of communicating legal jargon in a plain and simple easy to understand way.
We are confident that the thoughtful work that John did for us will not only benefit our family in this lifetime, but also in the life of our daughter Britt life after we pass away.
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16 Oct, 2024 by Anonymous
Sean walked us through every step of the estate planning process with skill and patience.
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02 Dec, 2023 by Amanda and james
We hired Sean to help us with establishing a will and trust. He was easy to work with, clear in communication (and helped us to understand the legal jargon), prompt, and exceptionally accommodating of our schedules and needs as we coordinated meetings. In areas we were uncertain about, Sean offered suggestions and insight from his professional and personal experience, helping us to make informed decisions that supported our family's needs. We are glad to have worked with Sean and are relieved to have our estate planning complete.
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27 Jun, 2022 by J
I contacted Sean about a will and the proper way to assure my children would be well cared for upon my passing. The free consultation convinced me that I would be able to work with Sean easily. With Sean's guidance, I now have a will and trust that put me at ease about my assets.
We communicated primarily via email. Sean responded quickly and fully to any questions I raised, and changed a few items at my request, no problem. He guided me in several areas with which I wasn't familiar.
I'm pleased to have taken care of this end-of-life planning, and to have used Sean's services.
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03 Nov, 2009 by Lisa
Darcy is professional, knowledgeable, honest and level-headed. She provided my family much-needed guidance in working through some estate issues during my father's terminal illness. I am happy to provide Darcy my highest recommendation.
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03 Nov, 2009 by Matthew ellis
I have recommended Darcy to many people who have retained her. NO ONE is as good as Darcy, she is hands down the best attorney I have ever worked with.
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14 Mar, 2018 by Gini
I met with Patrick today to discuss what I should do in response to a violation issued by a police offer in Edmonds. I contested this, thinking the infraction was an error. I consulted with Patrick Carter, Atty, today. He was very helpful. First he listened carefully without interruption to my too lengthy explanation of the circumstances. Then he reviewed the documents that I brought with me, recommending I contact the DOL about the matter, which I did, learning that the infraction for which I was cited. Patrick kept me cool, calm and collected and altered the way I will respond to this matter. Many thanks.
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What a Trusts Lawyer Can Do for You
A trusts lawyer specializes in creating and managing trusts, which are legal entities that allow individuals to transfer assets to beneficiaries while maintaining control over how and when those assets are distributed. Trusts are used for estate planning, asset protection, tax planning, and ensuring the financial security of loved ones. Trusts lawyers help clients choose the right type of trust for their needs, draft trust documents, and advise on the administration and management of trusts.
Whether you're planning to pass on your assets to your heirs, protect your wealth from creditors, or provide for a disabled family member, a trusts lawyer can help you establish a trust that meets your financial and personal goals.
When Should I Hire a Trusts Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a trusts lawyer in various situations, particularly when you're planning for the future distribution of your assets or protecting your wealth. Common reasons to hire a trusts lawyer include:
- Estate planning: If you want to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, a lawyer can help you create a revocable or irrevocable trust to avoid probate and provide for your heirs.
- Asset protection: If you want to protect your assets from creditors, lawsuits, or potential future liabilities, a lawyer can help you establish a trust to shield your wealth.
- Special needs planning: If you have a disabled family member, a lawyer can create a special needs trust to provide for their care without affecting their eligibility for government benefits.
- Tax planning: If you're looking to minimize estate taxes or manage tax liabilities, a lawyer can help you create tax-advantageous trusts, such as a credit shelter trust or charitable remainder trust.
- Charitable giving: If you want to leave a legacy through charitable donations, a lawyer can help you set up a charitable trust to ensure your donations are managed according to your wishes.
- Business succession planning: If you own a business and want to ensure a smooth transition of ownership, a lawyer can help you establish a trust to pass the business on to your heirs or chosen successors.
Hiring a trusts lawyer early in the estate planning process ensures that your assets are protected and your wishes are clearly documented, reducing the chances of disputes after your death.
What Does a Trusts Lawyer Do?
A trusts lawyer provides a variety of legal services to help individuals create, manage, and administer trusts. Their responsibilities often include:
- Drafting trust documents: Preparing the legal documents needed to create the trust, ensuring it is tailored to your specific goals and complies with state and federal laws.
- Choosing the right type of trust: Assisting clients in selecting the most appropriate type of trust for their needs, whether it's a revocable trust, irrevocable trust, living trust, or special needs trust.
- Trust administration: Guiding trustees through their legal responsibilities, including managing assets, making distributions to beneficiaries, and filing tax returns.
- Modifying or terminating trusts: Helping modify or terminate trusts if circumstances change, such as changes in tax laws, family situations, or personal preferences.
- Protecting beneficiaries' interests: Structuring trusts to protect the interests of beneficiaries, especially if there are concerns about financial management, disability, or dependency issues.
- Minimizing estate taxes: Assisting clients in structuring their trusts to minimize or avoid estate taxes, ensuring more of the estate passes to beneficiaries.
- Handling disputes: Mediating or representing clients in court if disputes arise among beneficiaries or between trustees and beneficiaries.
How Are Trusts Lawyers Paid?
Trusts lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the trust and the type of legal work involved. Common payment methods include:
- Flat fee: For drafting basic trusts, such as revocable living trusts or special needs trusts, many lawyers charge a flat fee. This can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the trust.
- Hourly rate: For more complex trust planning, ongoing trust administration, or resolving disputes, some lawyers charge by the hour. Hourly rates typically range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Retainer: For long-term trust administration or complex estate planning cases, some lawyers may require a retainer, an upfront payment that covers ongoing services.
- Contingency fee (rare): In rare cases, particularly in disputes involving the administration of a trust, lawyers may work on a contingency fee basis, getting paid only if they successfully recover funds or resolve a legal dispute in your favor.
Always discuss the fee structure with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand the total cost of services.
How Much Does a Trusts Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a trusts lawyer depends on the complexity of the trust, the lawyer’s experience, and the fee structure. General cost estimates include:
- Basic trust creation: For simple trusts, such as revocable living trusts, fees may range from $1,000 to $3,000.
- Complex trust creation: For sophisticated estate plans involving multiple trusts, tax planning strategies, or special needs considerations, legal fees may range from $5,000 to $10,000 or more.
- Trust administration: If you are serving as a trustee and need ongoing legal advice, hourly rates for trust administration can range from $150 to $500 or more.
- Dispute resolution: Costs for litigation or mediation in trust disputes may range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case.
Be sure to get a detailed cost estimate from your lawyer during the consultation to ensure the services fit within your budget.
Top Questions to Ask a Trusts Lawyer
Before hiring a trusts lawyer, consider asking the following questions:
-
What experience do you have with creating trusts?
Ensure the lawyer has experience drafting trusts and managing trust administration for clients with similar goals or asset structures. -
What types of trusts do you recommend for my situation?
Ask the lawyer to explain the different types of trusts available and which ones best suit your needs. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify the fee structure and request an estimate of the total cost. -
What are the tax implications of the trust?
Ensure the lawyer can explain how the trust will affect your taxes and strategies to minimize tax liability. -
How long will it take to set up the trust?
Ask for a timeline for creating and finalizing the trust documents. -
Will you handle the trust administration?
If ongoing management is required, inquire whether the lawyer will assist with trust administration or if you'll need a separate trustee. -
Can you help resolve disputes if they arise?
Ask about the lawyer's experience in resolving trust disputes.
How to Check the Credibility of a Trusts Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable trusts lawyer, take the following steps:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and has no disciplinary actions.
- Look for trust law experience: Review their website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in estate planning and trusts.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for feedback on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google.
- Ask for references: Request references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
- Check for certifications: Look for certifications such as Certified Estate Planning Law Specialist (EPLS) or memberships in organizations like the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA).
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most of your first consultation with a trusts lawyer, bring the following:
- List of assets: Prepare a list of all your assets, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, and personal property.
- List of beneficiaries: Provide names and contact information of individuals or organizations you want to name as beneficiaries.
- Existing estate planning documents: Bring copies of any existing wills, trusts, or other estate planning documents.
- Financial information: Bring financial statements, tax returns, and other relevant financial documentation.
- Questions for the lawyer: Prepare a list of questions about the trust creation process, fees, and how the trust will protect your assets and beneficiaries.
- Goals for the trust: Clearly outline your objectives, such as asset protection, tax minimization, or provisions for beneficiaries, so the lawyer can tailor the trust to your needs.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation effectively and receive the best possible legal advice for creating and managing your trust.
